SHAFAQNA -Â Sweden’s parliament has recommended cutting arms exports to countries that it considers to be undemocratic as part of plans to emphasize the importance of human rights issues in relation to trade. The moves have highlighted the differences between Sweden and other western countries on the issue.

Under the proposals, Sweden would be the first country inÂ the world toÂ introduce specific sets ofÂ democratic criteria when it comes toÂ exporting weapons, byÂ judging countries individually, based onÂ their civil and political rights, and the nature ofÂ their democratic institutions.

“A country’s democratic status will be a central condition forÂ an export permit,” politician Hans Wallmark said while presenting a committee report onÂ the issue.

Prime Minister Stefan Lovren’s government has taken a keen interest inÂ ensuring that human rights concerns are central toÂ its foreign policy.